Cavoodles are affectionate, energetic pups that bring boundless joy to their families.
Although Cavoodles from good breeders are generally known to be healthy, their genetic makeup can make them prone to health issues like heart issues, joint problems, and skin sensitivities, which can affect their overall well-being.
That’s where real food comes in.
The best food for Cavoodles is a fresh diet packed with high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and nutrient-rich ingredients to support their health from the inside out.
Whether you’re aiming to soothe your pup's itchy skin or ease joint discomfort, real food for your Cavoodle can play a crucial role in keeping them healthy and happy.
This article was reviewed by Dr Alexander England, Lyka Veterinarian.
The most common health problems in Cavoodles
Skin Allergies and itchiness: Cavoodles are prone to food and environmental allergies that cause itchy, inflamed skin, which can be managed through a gut-supportive diet rich in Omega-3s, spirulina, and shiitake mushrooms.
Heart conditions: Cavoodles may inherit Mitral Valve Disease (MVD), a degenerative heart condition, and benefit from a low-sodium, antioxidant-rich diet with heart-supportive ingredients like mushrooms, broccoli, and chia seeds.
Joint Issues: common joint problems like hip dysplasia and patellar luxation in Cavoodles can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory foods rich in Omega-3s, turmeric, quinoa, and coconut to support mobility and reduce inflammation.
Digestive issues:
1. Skin allergies and itchiness
Cavoodles can be prone to food and environmental skin allergies which can trigger hives and itchy skin conditions like Atopic Dermatitis. Ear infections, excessive licking or over-grooming, and inflammation are common signs of allergies.
Allergies trigger a pup’s immune system which releases histamines and other chemicals to defend the body against the invading allergen. These chemicals cause the red, itchy and inflamed skin. The gut microbiome helps to modulate the immune system, making gut health vital for allergen defence.
Boost their gut health and their immune response with a fresh food diet that contains skin-enriching nutrients, including:
🐟 Omega 3 Fatty Acids: Essential for skin and coat health.
💚 Spirulina: A powerful superfood with high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that has been shown to reduce allergic inflammation.
🍄 Shiitake mushrooms: A bioactive, antihistaminic food that can boost your dog’s immune response against an allergen.
Lyka only uses grass-fed, free-range, barn-raised or wild-caught animal proteins that are less prone to inflame the skin than grain-fed proteins. Lyka doesn't contain pro-inflammatory starches and lectins and other common allergens used in commercial pet food like wheat, corn, soy and dairy.
Read more: Dog skin allergies: triggers, symptoms and itch relief (with photos) →
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2. Heart conditions
Mitral Valve Disease2 (MVD) is the most common cardiac illness in dogs, though it tends to be more prevalent in smaller breeds. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are especially prone to MVD which means that Cavoodles can inherit this disease too.
Mild cases of MVD may not show any noticeable signs in your pup and it’s usually identified during a routine health check by your vet. The disease is degenerative but it progresses slowly. However, it can lead to congestive heart failure (CHF). Always, check with your vet if you have any concerns about your Cavoodle’s health.
Dogs with MVD and CHF are usually advised to eat a low-sodium diet as too much salt increases their blood pressure and puts their heart under more stress.
Support your dog’s heart health by feeding them a fresh, wholefood diet that contains powerful ingredients known for their cardiovascular benefits:
🍄 Mushrooms: Bursting with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals for cardiovascular health.
🥦 Broccoli: A rich source of potassium for a strong heart rhythm and optimal blood pressure.
🌱 Chia seeds: Small but mighty, these tiny seeds contain antioxidants to combat oxidative stress, and are high in fibre to promote satiety and support weight management.
3. Joint issues
Hip dysplasia and patellar luxation are two common genetic joint issues experienced by Cavoodles.
Hip dysplasia describes the abnormal development of the ball and socket hip joint. When a dog develops this condition, their hip socket is usually shallow and flattened which causes the hip ball to slip. Joints like these often develop arthritis as the body tries to compensate for unstable movement.
Although there is a genetic link to hip dysplasia, it can also be caused when puppies grow too quickly due to too much calcium in their diet or overfeeding.
In dogs with patellar luxation, the kneecap slips out of place, often to the inside or outside of the leg, instead of staying in its groove. Like hip dysplasia, can be caused by abnormal joint and bone development.
Feed your Cavoodle anti-inflammatory foods with the right ratio of omega fatty acids to help keep joints healthy. Lyka meals contain an Omega 6 to Omega 3 ratio between 1.9:1 and 3.8:1: much lower than the AAFCO recommended ratio of 30:1.
Our in-house Integrative Veterinarian, Dr Matthew Muir and our veterinary nutritionists have determined this range from their clinical insights and appraisal of up-to-date scientific evidence.
We use fish oil and sardines which are full of omega-3 fatty acids to support common joint ailments in Cavoodles. Our meals also contain a variety of vegetables and plant superfoods rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients to help protect joints by protecting joints from oxidative damage:
🥥 Coconut: Full of potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties3 to support supple joints — especially great for senior dogs.
🌾 Quinoa: A natural source of manganese, vital for healthy bone development.
🧡 Turmeric: Contains the active ingredient curcumin which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to fight chronic inflammation and arthritis symptoms.
Each meal is portion-controlled to keep your pup at their ideal weight and reduce strain on joints. You can even select our lower fat Kangaroo, Chicken and Turkey meals for greater control of your Cavoodle’s diet.
Read more: Hip dysplasia: how can your dog's diet help? →
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4. Gut and digestive issues
Cavoodles can be prone to sensitive stomachs, digestive discomfort, and gut imbalances.
Symptoms such as bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, constipation, and dog vomiting can indicate an underlying digestive issue, food intolerance, or gut dysbiosis (an imbalance of gut bacteria).
A well-functioning gut is key to overall health, as it plays a crucial role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function. Feeding a fresh, wholefood diet packed with gut-supporting nutrients can help maintain a balanced microbiome and improve digestive health.
Support your Cavoodle’s gut with:
🥕 Butternut Squash and Carrot: rich in soluble fibre to support smooth digestion and firm stools, while also providing essential vitamins for gut lining health.
🌾 Psyllium Husk and Flaxseed Oil: excellent sources of dietary fibre that promote regular bowel movements and aid digestion.
🐔 Free-range Chicken: high-quality animal proteins that are easy on the stomach and reduce the risk of food sensitivities.
🫐 Blueberries and Spirulina: packed with antioxidants and polyphenols to support gut lining integrity and overall digestive function.
By avoiding preservatives, highly processed ingredients, and inflammatory starches, Lyka meals help promote a healthier gut environment and reduce the likelihood of digestive upsets.
Why choose Lyka for your Cavoodle?
Developed by board-certified nutritionists, alongside Co-founder and Integrative Veterinarian, Dr. Matthew Muir, Lyka meals are crafted with fresh, real food ingredients to support heart health, soothe sensitive skin, and promote overall happiness.
Each Lyka meal:
Contains antioxidant-rich and anti-inflammatory ingredients to help keep joints strong and reduce inflammation.
Is packed with high-quality protein and low-GI carbs for sustained energy and satiety, custom-portioned for your Cavoodle’s unique needs.
Supports gut health, providing an ideal environment for mood-balancing neurotransmitters like serotonin to flourish.
Lyka’s fresh dog food delivery is sent directly to you in custom-portioned servings, which helps take the guesswork out of mealtimes and encourage healthy weight.
Is your Cavoodle ready to feel the difference?
This article was reviewed by Veterinarian Dr Alexander England.
Dr Alex England, BVetMed MANZCVS (Small Animal Veterinary Practice), is a Veterinarian with a strong focus on preventative health, particularly in nutrition and senior pet care. He is passionate about education, evidence-based veterinary medicine, and bridging the gap between human and animal health.
He studied a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine at the Royal Veterinary College, London, and has a U.K. Membership in Small Animal Veterinary Practice with the Australia and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists.
References
1Sugiura T, Nakamura K, Ogawa K, Ikeda S, Nagata J, Kawashima T. Evaluation of the effects of a specific nutrient composition on immune function and oxidative damage in humans. J Nutr Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2004;50(2):129-136.
2Schultz RD. Current and future canine and feline vaccination programs. Veterinary Partner. Accessed January 8, 2025
3Wilson B, Bhatia R, Thompson DJ, et al. Nutritional management of canine osteoarthritis. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2020;257(6):614-623. doi:10.2460/javma.257.6.614
